A quality framing nailer is vital for any project, whether you are building for a hobby or as your profession.

With the right nailer, you can cut down on the time your project takes and save yourself plenty of energy as well. S

o, when you go shopping for one, you want the best framing nailer you can buy.

But if you aren’t a professional contractor, chances are you have never needed to purchase a framing nailer before. And that means you might be a bit uncertain about what to look for and how to evaluate the various options on the market.

Well, there is no need to go into the purchase blind; we are here for you. To help, check out our framing nailer reviews below.

Before we get into our reviews, it is important that you know what a framing nailer is and why you would want one.

A framing nailer is commonly called a nail gun, because it shoots nails into various materials, holding them together; it even uses a trigger and has a set up similar to an actual gun.

There are many different types of nail guns, and framing nailers are on the larger end of the spectrum, designed to be used with large nails and on projects where millimeters won’t make a big difference in terms of precision.

Important Features to Consider

As is the case with any product, not all framing nailers are created equal.

There are many features that help to set the various options apart from each other, some of which matter more than others.

Below are some of the most important features to consider when purchasing a framing nailer.

Coil or Stick and Capacity

This refers to how the nails are held together inside the magazine before entering into the chamber of the nail gun.

What is the difference between the two?

Coil nailers use nails held together in a coil and are able to handle more nails in rapid succession, and thus they tend to come with larger magazine capacities.

Stick nailers have the nails on a stick, and they are unable to handle as many nails at a time. This is unlikely to make a difference if you are looking to use your framing nailer occasionally or for smaller projects. However, if you are looking to use it professionally, coil will be best.

Type of Power

If you are looking for plenty of power, then you will want a pneumatic, or air-pressure, powered framing nailer.

These framing nailers are hooked up to an air compressor, which then uses the pressurized air to push the nails out with great force. While these models offer lots of power, they also come with the added expensive of renting or purchasing an air compressor.

Sometimes it is best to sacrifice some power for mobility, depending on the project. In such a case, you would want a cordless model. Cordless framing nailers use either fuel cells or batteries to power the nail gun.

Angle

The angle refers to the angle in degrees at which the nail is driven into the material. For the majority of projects, the 20-30 degree range is ideal. While there are straight-framing nailers on the market, they are not able to drive nails with thicker gauges as easily, so you are better off with an angled gun. Unless you are looking for a framing nailer for professional use, this 20-30 degree range should be all you need.

Top 5 Framing Nailers Details Reviews

NuMax SFR2190 21 Degree Framing Nailer

This framing nailer was our top pick. It offers many quality features, but does not compromise its usability simply to pack in extra features. As such, you can use it quite easily, even if you have never used a framing nailer before. It is a fairly compact model that is designed with ergonomics in mind, so you can use it on a larger project without your hand cramping.

This model does use air pressure to power the gun, which means that you will need an air compressor to use it. If you do not have one, you can rent it from a home improvement store, or, if you plan to use your framing nailer often, purchase an air compressor. This will limit your mobility, but it does offer superior power. The magazine can hold up to 55 nails at a time, giving you plenty of time between magazine changes on the majority of projects.

It also offers a few special features that help it stand out from the crowd. The 360 degree exhaust allows you to angle the exhaust away from your face, no matter where you are standing relative to the gun. You can adjust the firing depth to suit the material you are working with. Fianlly, it has interchangeable triggers, allowing you to get the style of firing you need each and every time without needing to switch framing nailers.

Features:

• 21-degree framing nailer
• 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch nail capacity
• Depth adjustment knob
• Tool-free jam release
• 360-degree swivel exhaust

Technical Details:

• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches
• Air pressure: 70-120 PSI
• Nail capacity: 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch
• Warranty: 1 year

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Easy to use

Cons:

• May jam frequently

Freeman P4FRFNCB Framing/Finishing Combo Kit

This framing nailer was our top pick. It offers many quality features, but does not compromise its usability simply to pack in extra features. As such, you can use it quite easily, even if you have never used a framing nailer before. It is a fairly compact model that is designed with ergonomics in mind, so you can use it on a larger project without your hand cramping.

Out of all the options on this list, this one is the most industrial. It is ideal for avid DIYers as well as professional contractors. This combo kit has everything you need to tackle any possible project. In addition to the framing nailer, it also includes a finish nailer, brad nailer, and narrow crown stapler.

This combo kit uses air pressure to power the guns. As with all framing nailers powered by air pressure, this comes with the added expense of needing an air compressor and limited mobility. However, if you are looking to complete a professional grade project, it is worth the extra expense and limited mobility.

Some of the special features offered by this kit include a 360 degree exhaust, a built-in air filter, and a no-mar tip that helps to eliminate damage to working surfaces, ensuring that professional finish.

Features:

• 21-degree framing nailer
• 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch nail capacity
• Depth adjustment knob
• Tool-free jam release
• 360-degree swivel exhaust
• 15-degree finishing nailer
• 1-inch to 2-1/2-inch nail capacity
• Depth adjustment knob
• Tool-free jam release
• 360-degree swivel exhaust

Technical Details:

• Weight: 7.5 pounds (framing nailer) and 4 pounds (finishing nailer)
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches (framing nailer) and 12 x 9 x 3 inches (finishing nailer)
• Air pressure: 70-120 PSI
• Nail capacity: 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch (framing nailer) and 1-inch to 2-1/2-inch (finishing nailer)
• Warranty: 1 year

Pros:

• Comes with a finishing nailer in addition to a framing nailer
• Affordable
• Comes with a canvas bag for storage

Cons:

• May not be as durable as other options

BOSTITCH F21PL Round Head 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer

This model is the only cordless model we chose to place on our list of the best framing nailers. While going cordless usually means a little less power behind the nails, this framing nailer is similar in PSI to air-pressure powered models. This option is perfect for those who want to complete smaller or infrequent projects and are worried about mobility.

This framing nailer is also a lightweight model due to its magnesium body. As such, it is a good choice for anyone with limited tensile strength or joint problems. It also has a large capacity despite its light weight, holding up to 60 nails in the magazine at a time.

However, it is important to consider that you will need to change or charge the battery fairly often, making it harder to complete longer projects with this framing nailer alone. Before you buy, you need to decide if the increased mobility is worth the downtime with the battery.

Features:

• 21-degree framing nailer
• 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch nail capacity
• Depth adjustment knob
• Tool-free jam release
• 360-degree swivel exhaust

Technical Details:

• Weight: 8 pounds
• Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 4 inches
• Air pressure: 70-120 PSI
• Nail capacity: 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch
• Warranty: 7 years

Pros:

• Can handle nails up to 3-1/2 inches in length
• Comes with an air compressor combo kit
• Adjustable depth guide and rafter hook

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy

Hitachi NR90AES1 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Plastic Collated Framing Nailer

At just 7.5 pounds, this is the lightest framing nailer on our list. For short jobs, this doesn’t make much of a difference, but if you plan to tackle larger projects, the few pounds that separate this framing nailer from the others will matter.

It is also a great option for those with limited tensile strength or joint problems. Despite it being smaller, it still offers the same power as bulkier models.

This is an air-pressure powered model, so once again you have the extra expense and the limited mobility. However, the power behind the gun and not needing to stop to change or charge batteries could be worth the trade-off. With a magazine capacity of 64 nails, you should be able to tackle larger projects without constantly changing the magazine.

This framing nailer does not have many special features, having eliminated them to save on weight. Its most unique feature is the selective actuation switch, which allows you to switch from bump and sequential fire.

It also comes with a tool-less depth of drive, which eliminates the need to adjust air pressure at the compressor, simplifying operation of the framing nailer.

Features:

• 21-degree framing nailer
• 2-inch to 3-1/2-inch nail capacity
• Depth adjustment knob
• Tool-free jam release
• 360-degree swivel exhaust

Technical Details:

• Weight: 8.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 15.5 x 12.5 x 4 inches
• Air pressure: 70-120 PSI
• Nail capacity: 2-inch to 3-1/2-inch
• Warranty: 5 years

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to use

Cons:

• May jam frequently

Freeman PFR2190 21-Degree Full-Head Framing Nailer

In terms of special features, this model offers the most of any framing nailer on our list. However, all those special features do mean it is a little bit more complex to use.

As such, we recommend this model for those with experience using framing nailers or those who want to tackle complex projects that will clearly benefit from these additional features.

What are some of the special features it offers? It can handle many different nail sizes, ranging from 2-3 ½ inches. Freeman PFR2190 offers a 360-degree exhaust, a built-in air filter, and an anti-dust cap.

It is made from die-cast magnesium, which helps to reduce the weight despite the extra features. The framing nailer comes with interchangeable triggers, allowing you to choose between single and contact firing.

Features:

• 21-degree framing nailer
• 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch nail capacity
• Depth adjustment knob
• Tool-free jam release
• 360-degree swivel exhaust

Technical Details:

• Weight: 7 pounds
• Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 3.5 inches
• Air pressure: 70-120 PSI
• Nail capacity: 1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch
• Warranty: 1 year

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Easy to use

Cons:

• May not be as durable as other options

So, Which Framing Nailer is Best for You?

While we do have our top pick, it isn’t necessarily the ideal framing nailer for you. Having read our framing nailer reviews, we hope that you have a better idea of which option is right for you. From commercial projects to small tasks around the house, the framing nailers here give you all the options you need. So, which framing nailer from our framing nailer reviews will you purchase?

How to Choose

Weight and Comfort

A lighter tool is always easier to use. Therefore, make sure that the framing nailer you purchase should be easy and comfortable to use. If you are working on ceilings or other heightened areas then probably you will want to look for the lightest framing nailer available. You will want to have a nail gun that is compact and provide you with more natural maneuvering.

Additional Features

Framing nailers come with many exclusive features to make them easier to operate.

Depth Adjustment

This feature let the user decide how deep he wants to drive the nails into the required surface. It’s an excellent feature to have when you are working on projects that use woods of varying thickness.

Quick Jam Clearance

It’s a must feature for any tool owners as nail gun can jam at certain times. Those jams can be quite annoying and therefore a nail gun with an instant jam clearance feature will save a lot of your precious time.

Swiveling Air Connectors

These are designed for use pneumatic framing nailers. They are powered by air and hence remains linked to the compressor all the time. It’s a great way to deal with the cord mainly when you are moving around a lot. These swiveling air connectors allow the cable to move about freely without jumbling up.

Protective Guards

They make sure to prevent debris from hitting your framing nailer. The protective guards make your tool safer to use. However, you should always have protective wear while doing any construction projects.

Different Types of Nail Guns and How They’re Used

There was a time when the most common tool for construction was a hammer. Hammers do the job done, but at the expense of time and energy. Using hammers, the simple task of driving a nail into a thick wooden plank becomes tedious and very time-consuming. A better tool has replaced hammers effectively – the nail gun.

A nail gun is a significant addition to your tool box. Fast and highly productive, different types of nail guns are useful for small and large scale projects alike. Each type of nail gun can do a specific project, and you should choose your nail gun while considering your normal projects. I am going to introduce you to different types of nail guns so you can choose your required tool.

Different types of nail guns:

In the market, there are different types of nail guns available for fencing, roofing, constructing decks or designing small models. These nail guns share some common features, but most of them are specially designed for completing specific tasks.

• Framing nail gun

Whether you are a pro or a DIY lover, ultimately you’ll need a nail gun that is capable of driving hundreds of nails within a small amount of time. A framing nail gun is a must have tool among different types of nail guns. 

Heavy wooden construction and large maintenance projects are difficult to complete without a framing nail gun. These nailers vary in degrees, power source, and triggers. Some of them get power from compressed air (pneumatic framing nailers) and you can use them for bigger projects; others get power electrically or with fuel and you will use these where portability is required.

Some framing nail guns are cordless and they get power from  a rechargeable battery appropriate for small projects. This last type is used effectively in every nook and cranny of the house where corded or pneumatic nailers have no access.

• Roofing nail gun

This type of nail gun is used to drive in roofing nails. Because they travel up to the roof of the building, light-weight and portability are essentials. Instead of straight magazines, coiled nails are attached. Normally, large round head nails go into this type of nail gun to fulfill the requirements of roofing. A dial setting adjusts the depth of nails to prevent shingle damage from deep driven nails.

• Finish nail gun

Finish nailers are essential tools for carpenters and furniture makers. They are capable of driving high-gauge nails for trimming and other detail work. These nail guns can drive nails neatly in oak and pine wooden pieces alike. Finish nail guns accept a variety of different shapes of nail heads and nail sizes. 16-gauge finish nailers are common in furniture making and other carpentry jobs.

• Flooring nail gun

These specially designed nail guns can fire nails at right angles while standing on the floor. The flooring nail guns are T-shaped and perform flooring jobs easily. Today’s flooring nail guns are most pneumatic, so you’ll stay away from putting extra pressure on your muscles.

• Brad nailer

These are just like finish nail guns, but for finer trimming jobs. High-gauge nails are driven with the help of Brad nailers. For example: if you want to construct a doll house, you’ll need a 18 or 23-gauge brad nailer for beading. These nailers come with a bigger head and a thin bar. If you are making cabinets, a brad nailer should always be in your tool kit.

• Concrete nail gun

As the name speaks, this powerfully built type of nail gun drives nails directly into the concrete. Concrete nail guns are not a part of carpenter’s or a DIYer’s tool kit normally, because they are mainly useful for industrial purposes. However, you should recognize this as another type of nail gun.

Conclusion:

When it comes to choosing a nail gun, you face multiple options. Different types of nail guns have certain advantages and disadvantages. One type of nail gun is appropriate for one task, but is ill-suited for the other. The choice of nail gun depends highly upon the task you’re doing. For large scale projects, a powerful and efficient pneumatic framing nailer is what you should buy. It could be useful for flooring, fencing, constructing decks, or building trusses.

Small projects require mobility, so you should use a cordless nail gun is recommended. An electric nail gun is suitable for daily home tasks like repairing furniture or building small models. The same goes for finishing, trimming, and flooring jobs.